Page 42 of Once Upon a Holidate
“I didn’t mean to be. Things got complicated.”
She thought about the scars on his torso and wondered if they had anything to do with the “complications.”
“Does Joylyn know why you were gone for so long?”
“She knows it was work. Or at least she knows that’s what I told her. Based on a more recent conversation, I’m not sure she believed me.”
Men, Wynn thought with a sigh. “Were you more specific with her? Does she know you were undercover, working a dangerous assignment?”
His gray gaze settled on her face. “How do you know it was dangerous?”
“Oh, please. I watch TV. Drug cartels aren’t known for their philanthropy.”
“I’ve never talked about it with her.”
“Then maybe you should start there. If she knows what you were doing, she might be more forgiving of your absence. Assuming that’s what she’s upset about.”
“I don’t think it is. She was mad at me before I left.” He set down his glass. “No offense, but your gender is complicated.”
“Yes, we are, but we also smell nice.”
He chuckled. “You do.” He stretched his arm along the back of the sofa and rested his fingers on her shoulder. “Change of subject?”
She nodded, shifting closer.
“How are you doing on the Thanksgiving prep work? I’d like to help.”
“Thanks, but I’m in good shape. I did my last-minute shopping this morning before I went to work, the turkey is sitting in the refrigerator and I’ve already put out the Thanksgiving decorations.”
“You’re prepared. I’m going to make Waldorf salad. I hope that’s okay.”
“We can always use another side.”
“It’s a thing. I made it every year for Joylyn and brought it over to her mom’s for dinner.”
And there it was. Niceness. Genuine caring. Even if she didn’t think he was hot and a really great kisser, he was winning her over with stories like that.
“What did Sandy think of having Thanksgiving with her stepdaughter’s mother?”
“It wasn’t her favorite. She wanted her own traditions. To be fair, she was happy to include Joylyn, but I didn’t want to make Joylyn have to split her time between her mom and me. Not on Thanksgiving.” He drew in a breath. “I guess I wasn’t always a great husband.”
“Maybe not, but you were a terrific dad.”
“Thanks. Tell that to Joylyn.”
“I will.”
Instead of smiling, he grew more pensive. “She has adoctor’s appointment tomorrow. I was thinking I’d take off work and go with her.” He held up a hand. “I’m not talking about going in the room or anything. I just want to be there because it’s a new doctor and she’s eight months pregnant.”
“That’s a great idea,” she told him, wondering how Joylyn would react. “I’m sure she doesn’t want to go by herself.” But having her dad along might be too much for her. “Do you want me to go with her instead?” She shook her head. “I’m not trying to butt in, I’m just wondering if having another woman there would be easier for her.”
“I hadn’t thought of that, but you can’t take off work.”
“I can. We’re not very busy right now, and it’s only a couple of hours. I’m happy to do it.”
“Thank you. I think it might be easier for her to have you there rather than me. If we were tight again, it would be different.”
He looked so sad as he spoke that she reacted without thinking. She slid close and wrapped her arms around him.
